Libyan parliament ratifies maritime deal with Turkey

On October 20, 2026, the Libyan House of Representatives, based in the east, voted to approve the 2019 memorandum of understanding on maritime boundary delimitation with Turkey. The assembly, which had previously declared the agreement void and boycotted it in 2020, unanimously reversed its position. This decision coincides with the departure of long-time parliamentary speaker Aguila Saleh and the recent arrival of Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin in Tripoli for high-level security meetings.

The memorandum, originally signed by Turkey and the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord in November 2019, seeks to define maritime jurisdictions in the Mediterranean. Turkish analysts and media interpret the ratification as a significant diplomatic breakthrough for Ankara's 'Blue Homeland' doctrine. Conversely, Greece and Cyprus have strongly condemned the parliamentary action, labeling it illegal and void under international law, as it ignores the maritime rights of Greek islands.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed deep regret over the move, reiterating the European Union's support for Greece and Cyprus. Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and his Cypriot counterpart Constantinos Kombos held emergency consultations, and Athens has signaled it will take necessary actions to defend its sovereign rights as established under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.